Participants brave a downpour to finish the race, buoyed up by enthusiasm. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The 11th Tour of Qidong cycling race took place on May 23 in the county-level city of Qidong – administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province – with 600 amateurs taking part.

Along the 168-kilometer route, the riders were able to take in Qidong's exquisite sea and river views, as well as avail themselves of its wonderful fresh air.

Established by the Qidong Cycling Association, the non-professional event has been held for 10 consecutive years, growing from a grassroots race into an influential sporting event in the East China region.

The Qidong Cycling Association was founded in July 2013 and it has become the largest organization for local cycling lovers, with a current membership of over 600.

"We are striving to upgrade the race into a formal and professional event and build it up as a name card of Qidong city," said Ji Changchun, secretary-general of the Qidong Cycling Association.